MAC Eye Shadow x9 Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Review

May 28, 2015 |

I totally have a thing for compact eyeshadows with a million shades in them, especially if they fit in to my make up bag. When I saw the x9 or Times Nine eyeshadow releases from MAC I knew I had to get one. These are the same size (case wise) and the refillable palettes for 4 colours therefore the shadows themselves are small – about the size of a 5p piece. This doesn’t bother me in the slightest because I never ever finish eyeshadows anyway but if you are looking for an investment palette that will last a long time, or you are a student etc. you might want to look at their pre-filled large palettes instead where you get more colours and quantity for your money. But anyway…

I nearly went for Purple but instead I went for Amber (there is also Blue set which is more greys, and a Burgundy which is browns and plums). I love purples but for every day Amber, with it’s gold and yellow toned browns is the most use for me.

The colours are:

Cool Grey (matte) – more of a light beige. Useful colour.

Kitties (frost) – pale bronze. Nice for the lid.

Georgia Peach (matte) – dirty rose – I’ve used this a lot for the lid.

Pigmentation is OK. Texture is OK. I’ve never though MAC eyeshadows were ‘all dat’ anyway, they are certainly very decent and this is the same for the palette. The sparkly shades are somewhat dud, they are just fine but you won’t get a super glittery glam finish. Also, the other colours apply just fine for a natural every day look but I can’t say they are richly pigmented or creamy or buttery soft because the just aren’t. They are all OK.

Ingredients:

Despite the fact I think the texture of these shadows are average at best, I love the compact size and I love that I can use this as a no brainer shadow every day without thinking too hard (or indeed, at all!). I mix up which colours I use each day and the eye always turns out fine.

Longevity is ok again, it does fade after a while.

Here is the average look I do with about 3-4 shades – a all over base, lid shade, crease shade, perhaps a sparkly colour in the inner corner.

Verdict:

Essential? No. Exceptional? No. Good if you like lots of colours in one place though and a carry-able palette to boot. They need to start including mirrors in these buggers though.